I always do this, whenever I buy something new I'm always so hesitant to do anything with them that could get them dirty or scratched. Example, I bought an ar and for some paranoid reason I didn't want to take it out into the pouring rain. Am I alone in this? Is there a cure

No! I buy them to use in any weather, under any conditions. Durability and ruggedness are a top priority. Most of my guns are SS and synthetic, but I would and have used a wood/blue gun the same way. I think dings, scratches, worn bluing and slight surface rust are great. They are character marks that have stories and make my guns personal.

I never used to baby my guns then I upgraded many of mine to nicer wood/finishes and found I worried a slight bit more. Can't say I like the feeling so I'm building back up with some lower end guns for my harder use.

Well, my competition guns (AR, pistol, and shotgun) get thrown around, as do the magazines for the rifle and pistol. I have sat out in the rain behind my synthetic rifles before without caring about anything other than how cold I felt.... My wood and blued Winchester Model 70 is half a century old and has been used and shows it. It will continue to be a working gun.

So no, I don't baby my gun... But after the "abuse" that they take, I go back and take care of them and make sure they are running good and I fix them up to look as good as I can when it is needed.

My 1954 Colt Commander might be the most "babied" gun that I have, and I still carry it almost daily....

While I've never "babied" my guns, I've always certainly used them as much as I wanted, both shooting and hunting - and every single one of them look just about the same as when I took them from their respective boxes, new.

FWIW, while I use the guns, there's things I don't do - like actually "beat" the brush, use one as a stream-crossing crutch, or use one to finish off some wounded animal by clubbing it to death (as I've seen done on several occassions by others).

Every used gun I've sold, over the years, brought me top dollar, due to it's excellent condition - so, IMO, care & mainainence brings satisfaction in both usage & at sale time .

I take care of my guns, but I use them. If it rains, my guns get wet. They then get cleaned and oiled. They are all very well taken care of, but they do get used and as a result, they acquire a few dents or dings.

I remember the first time I went deer hunting, I took my Remington 742, and by the end of the first day there was a big scratch on the stock. Back then it upset me a great deal, but at this stage of my life, I realize it is a tool, and that is what happens to a tool. Now if I were to get a gash like that on my 1873 Springfield, or one of my Garands, then I will be bawling like a baby.

I used to baby most or all of my guns. Then I realized that as a whole, they've gotten more marks being knocked around in the safe than anything I've done to them outside.

Now-a-days, I'm not so concerned with them. Those that I use most, I don't worry about them getting a few nicks and dings; those that only get out to the range on the odd occasion, I try to keep looking as new as possible.

I like to maintain them all with regular service.

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“There are three reasons to own a gun. To protect yourself and your family, to hunt dangerous and delicious animals, and to keep the King of England out of your face.” - Krusty the Clown

The only time scratches on a gun bother me are when I did something stupid to get it there. If they are from regular use and wear and tear then I can live with it. I guess I do baby my guns, but I have gotten better.

I have a few guns that I wouldn't intentionally subject to harsh conditions.

Others I own specifically to use as tools. If their use demands that they be used under conditions that are less than ideal, that is inconsquentional. It is part of their purpose that they be available for use under any conditions that may occur.

I still take good care of them because I need them to remain functional in every respect, but it doesn't bother me if they pick up a ding or scratch here or there.

If there is even a small cosmetic problem with one of my guns, I literally will start sweating. I handle them really carefully too, because in my mind, they'll break from the slightest touch... So yes, I do baby my guns. A lot. For no REAL reason at all.

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